Tony Abbott defends his daughter Frances' scholarship

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has defended his daughter's scholarship from a design college chaired by a Liberal Party donor and friend.

Frances Abbott's scholarship at the Whitehouse Institute of Design has not been declared on her father's pecuniary interest register, even though he has declared other matters relating to his children such as trips, accommodation and tickets to sporting events.

MPs are required to disclose gifts above specified threshold limits, with extra requirements for ministers where a gift is retained.